Packhorse Bridge Carrbridge – Water Detail

On top of natural rock abutments is the old pack horse bridge at Carrbridge near Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. It is surrounded by trees, shrubs and grasses. The River Dulnain is fast flowing beneath, but has not been blurred, giving a more detailed aspect. We can see a small tuft of the flowering plant Thrift, Armeria maritima, on top of the bridge. When the River Dulnain was in spate it was impossible to cross the river, leading to funerals in nearby Duthil being delayed. This led to the building of this single span, humpback rubble bridge in 1717. The bridge was damaged in both the 18th and 19th Centuries when the parapets were washed away leaving this high single span remaining. It is thought to be the oldest stone bridge in the Scottish Highlands. Due to its connection with funerals it is also known as both the Funeral Bridge and the Coffin Bridge.